Cessnock mayor Bob Pynsent proudly presented the donations to Kurri Kurri Community Centre and Samaritans Information and Neighbourhood Centre, Cessnock last Tuesday.

Cr Pynsent thanked everyone in the community for their support and their spirit of giving.

“It is fantastic we can come together to give our much needed support to those more vulnerable residents and help put a smile on their face during the holiday period,” he said.

“Christmas is often a stressful time for families and a small donation of food or a gift can go a long way in relieving some of that stress.”

Peter Woolven from Samaritans Information and Neighbourhood Centre, Cessnock said the centre is now sorting the donations and preparing for the toys to be delivered to the more than 100 local children.

“We have 102 local children registered for a gift and we will look forward to making the happy delivery to the families ahead of Christmas Day,” he said.

Cassie Russell from Kurri Kurri Community Centre thanked the community for their generous donations, especially at this time of year when many local families find it tough.

“These donations will be made available to those in the community who need it most and we’ll be working hard in the lead up to Christmas to ensure local families are catered for,” she said.